True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The noun zest has (at least) two definitions in the dictionary, but in essence, they mean the same thing.

In the same way that you add the zest of a citrus fruit to a dish to enhance a flavour which is already there and give your tastebuds a little kick, so adding zest to your outlook is a great way to perk up your life.

Zest is defined as ‘spirited enjoyment’ or ‘ excitement’. It has energy behind it and perhaps just a little bit of bite. It is a quality which comes naturally when you are ‘creating things new’, and getting caught up in the rush of ideas, imaginings and possibilities, carrying you along on a wave of enthusiasm.

Zest is also something you can create to give yourself a boost. If you are doing a dull but necessary task, find ways to spice up the experience. Can you do the job faster? Then next time you do it, can you beat your previous record? (As someone who hates housework, I use this a lot with the dusting!)

Can you change your attitude so you can find your enthusiasm? For example, if you hate networking because you worry about ‘selling’ yourself, forget about you and concentrate on the person you are talking with. Find out what inspires them and let their enthusiasm rub off on you.

And if you have had a setback, just channel Charlotte Bronte: “Ill-Success failed to crush us: the mere effort to succeed had given a wonderful zest to existence; it must be pursued.”